Bhawana Somaaya

Bhawana Somaaya has been writing about Hindi cinema for over 35 years. She is a film critic, columnist and author of 13 books which includes biographies of Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini. Her books are a point of reference for students studying cinema at Whistling Woods, Manipal University and now JNU, Delhi. She has served on Advisory Panel of Film Certificate in India, is attached to Tigerland India Film Festival and Dhai Akshar, Educational Centre for underprivileged children. Somaaya is currently the Entertainment Editor at 927BigFM Radio channel. Once Upon A Time in Indiaprofiling 100 years of Indian cinema is her last release. Her new book Krsna Tulsi and Seven Wonders will be out soon.

Tulsi personifies the quintessential Indian woman: She is Goddess and she is prosperity. She is chastity and also a lover. She uplifts spiritually and heals physically. She is belief, she is tradition. Tulsi is the sublime beauty of nature. She is mother universe. Krsna Tulsi and Seven Wonders are folklores associated with the legend of Lord Krsna. This is a book of all who Ksrna loved and imbibed life into be it the Tulsi plant, the Bassuri or flute, the Kadamb tree where he romanced with his beloved Radhe in Vrindavan. Lord Krsna loved Kamal, the Lotus flower that remained fragrant and pure despite the kichad surrounding it, which was Krsna’s message of life as well. The book introduces us to Kamdhenu better known as the wish fulfilling cow and constant companion of Kaanha the cowherd and the relevance of Shankh, the conch in Dwarikadish Krsna the emperor’s life.

If you are a Hindi-movie buff, karva chauth immediately brings to mind DDLJ, and Easter probably reminds you of Anthony Gonsalves. Take a trip down memory lane with this beautifully conceived celebration of Indian cinema, which captures its century-long history in a fun capsule, and includes fascinating facts and milestones. Once Upon a Time in India will be your constant companion through the weeks in the coming year, with its attractive diary pages featuring iconic dialogues and fun trivia. Timeless like Indian cinema, the fifty-three full-page original illustrations in Bollywood poster-art style – depicting some of the most memorable scenes from your favourite films – make this a volume to treasure even when the year is over.